polls showing romney down seven, eight, even nine points. in all the battleground states and national polls romney's coming up. that's the momentum the republicans hope to keep in tonight's debate. >> john, is there any evidence right now that this debate -- that last week's debate has put some states in play that presumably weren't in play? >> there's some evidence. that's a fascinating question. this is a key point in the campaign. where are we going to spend ad dollars? where are we going to send the vice president and paul ryan? governor romney has been trying for a long time to put his birth state, michigan, in play. we had a poll suggested that was unlikely to happen. this is after the debate. a reputable polling firm from the state of michigan, a three-point race. we'll watch and see if it lasts. sometimes the bounces dissipate. at the moment the democrats might have to worry more about michigan. another state romney has long wanted to put in play is battleground pennsylvania. been out of reach in most polls. here's one snapshot, but